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Aba Model Rules Essay

Below is an essay on "Aba Model Rules" from Anti Essays, your source for research papers, essays, and term paper examples.

The American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct are professional standards that serve as models of the law governing lawyers since the adoption of the Canons of Professional Ethics in 1908 (Mallen , 2011). The Model Rules of Professional Conduct has been amended several times since 1983 (Mallen , 2011). There is approximately 58 rules which are organized into eight subject areas (Mallen , 2011).
Rule 1.1 is about competence. It states that a lawyer must have the legal knowledge required in order to adequately represent their client (“Rule 1.1: Competence | The Center for Professional Responsibility”, 2012). It also states that a lawyer must have the skill, thoroughness and preparation to represent their client (“Rule 1.1: Competence | The Center for Professional Responsibility”, 2012). There are a wide range of crimes and situations that require legal representation. It is impossible for an attorney to possess the knowledge required in order to represent every person who asks for their services properly. It would be irresponsible for a lawyer to take on a case involving cyber-crime when the majority of the cases they have represented have been about estate planning. It is also irresponsible to take on a case solely because of the monetary gain. Ultimately lawyers are to serve their client and they have the responsibility to not take on cases they are unable to properly represent.
Rule 2.1 explores the role of an attorney as an advisor. The rule states that a lawyer must use their knowledge to give advice to their client (“Rule 2.1: Advisor | The Center for Professional Responsibility”, 2012). The rule goes on further to state that the advice given goes beyond legal advice. The advice can extend to moral, economic, social and political factors (“Rule 2.1: Advisor | The Center for Professional Responsibility”, 2012). There are cases where the law is only a small portion of the case and other factors need to be taken into consideration in order to...